How a swift start helped Lostock Gralam keep district cup

More specifically, two swishes of Robbie Hatton’s right boot - the second only moments after the first - tightened Lostock Gralam’s grip on a Mid-Cheshire District FA Saturday Challenge Cup title they simply did not want to let go of.

A 2-0 lead inside six minutes, and on the pitch of higher-ranked hosts, was greeted with understandable glee.

Perversely, Hatton fluffed an easier chance – which if converted would have completed a personal treble and with it made Middlewich wilt further – shortly afterwards.

It was a pivotal five minutes.

Referee Ray Duncalf interrupted the game, and the Grey Lambs’ forward momentum, for an unscheduled water break.

“I need a drink so we’re stopping,” he told bewildered players.

The Witches resumed refreshed, and halved their arrears when Jack Weedall pinched possession from Carl Harvey before inviting skipper Jamie Petrie to run clear.

He slipped the ball past goalkeeper Dane Rigby, and suddenly there was a contest.

It unsettled Lostock, who became even more frantic than previously.

A blur of blue shirts still swarmed towards every red-shirted foe when he had the ball at his feet, only less precisely.

Harry Short bustled Petrie out of the way to go one-on-one with Rigby, but the custodian smothered his shot.

Harry Ashworth then ought to have done much better than kick fresh air when he had a sight of goal too.

The second-half was less fragmented, although cautions within minutes for Short and Connor Hooks indicated it would be equally competitive.

Town were more assured, and Callum Priestley skidded a header inches past an upright from a corner.

At the other end, Harvey’s flag-kick was forced goalwards by Alex Wilson and Middlewich number one Charles Masters blocked with a boot.

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here